Boat Capsizes on River Niger in Anambra: Five Lives Lost, Over 30 Rescued

In a devastating incident on Sunday morning, a yet-to-be-identified boat capsized on the River Niger in Anambra State, resulting in the loss of five lives and the miraculous rescue of over thirty passengers. The victims included women and children, with the boat also carrying assorted goods.

Prompted by a distress call, passers-by near the Onitsha banks rushed to aid the victims, while the Anambra State Police Command swiftly responded to the emergency. According to DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s public relations officer, the distress call led to a coordinated effort that brought the situation under control.

The ill-fated boat, originating from Kogi State, was reportedly ferrying both passengers and goods. “We were able to rescue over 30 of the passengers alive and recovered the five lifeless bodies in the depths of the sea and the capsized boat,” stated Ikenga. The cause of the tragedy remains unknown as investigations are currently underway.